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enMcCarthy and Distin on the road to recoveryEverton appear set to welcome James McCarthy back from injury when they return to Premier League action at resurgent Crystal Palace next Saturday.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/mccarthy-and-distin-road-recovery
Roberto Martinez's side are in the middle of a 12-daybreak, having been knocked out of the FA Cup prior to this weekend's fourth round ties, and have made the most of their time off with a training camp in Qatar.
McCarthy, a starter in just two of Everton's last 10 leaguegames due to a persistent hamstring complaint, has joined in with training sessions in Doha.
And the Republic of Ireland midfielder is now expected to feature against a Palace side boasting four wins in succession under new manager Alan Pardew.
Sylvain Distin is also making good progress in his recovery from a groin problem and couldbe involved at Selhurst Park.
Martinez told Everton's official website: "Sylvain DistinandJames McCarthyare really progressing a lot in this warm weather and that's really positive news.
"They have both joined the group in training and have come through really well.
"I see James as being fully fit now but we will assess everybody before the Crystal Palace game.
"This week has allowed James to build up his fitness levels and I do expect him to be fully fit and ready for Crystal Palace."
Everton lost at home to Palace in September and are level on points with Pardew's side.
news_articleSun, 25 Jan 2015 19:53:06 +0000330949 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comHibbert and Distin in line for Everton returnTony Hibbert and Sylvain Distin are in contention to make their respective Everton returns against West Brom, says Roberto Martinez.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/hibbert-and-distin-contention-everton-return
Tony Hibbert could return to the Everton first team against West Brom on Monday after over a month on the sidelines through injury.
The experienced full-back - who has not featured since December 6 -is back in contention for the visit of Tony Pulis' side having returned to training this week, with Roberto Martinez to make a late decision on his fitness.
Sylvain Distin could provide a further defensive boost for Everton – who have conceded 34 goals in the Premier League this season – having recovered from a groin strain.
Both are in Martinez'sthoughts for the clash at Goodison Park, however James McCarthy, Darron Gibson, Leon Osman, Steven Pienaar and Tim Howard are unavailable again.
"I would say that Tony Hibbert is the closest [to a return] and we will assess him over the next 48 hours," said the Spaniard. "But we have to be careful that we don't push him too early.
"Sylvain should be training with the group tomorrow [Saturday] and again we will assess him just before the game to see if he can make the squad.
"James McCarthy and Darron Gibson are not too far away, and Leon Osman and Steven Pienaar are progressing well but they have a bit more of a longer-term recovery programme.
"Tim Howard is well within the six to eight-week programme but won't be available for the Monday game."
news_articleFri, 16 Jan 2015 15:11:12 +0000325299 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comEtoo and Distin hand Everton fitness boostEverton have been handed a double fitness boost with Samuel Etoo and Sylvain Distin ready to face Wolfsburg on Thursday.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/double-fitness-boost-everton
Striker Eto'o missed the2-0 victory at West BromonSaturday with a groin complaint, while centre-back Distin had a dead leg.
However, both men are set to feature for the Merseysiders against the Bundesliga outfit in their UEFA Europa League Group Hopener at Goodison Park.
"Samuel Eto'o andSylvain Distinwill be back for Thursday plus the 18 players we had on Saturday,"manager Roberto Martinez told the club's official website.
Long-term absentees Arouna Kone (knee) and Bryan Oviedo (broken leg)both featured for Everton'sunder-21 fixture with Chelsea on Sunday and are nearing full fitness, whileTony Hibbert - who has been sidelined since the start of the season -could make his first appearance of the campaignin the League Cup clash at Swansea City on September 23.
"Bryan OviedoandArouna Konewill be fully fit very soon andTony Hibbertwill be back for the game a week on Tuesday," Martinez added.
"The numbers are there, the experience is there, the legs are there and the balance is strong enough to go and face every game we have in front of us."
news_articleMon, 15 Sep 2014 15:55:18 +0000252407 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comDistin insists Everton are not on holiday yetSylvain Distin has insisted Everton remain focused ahead of their final game of the Premier League season.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/distin-everton-not-holiday-yet
Manager Roberto Martinez has already guided the Goodison Park club to their highest ever Premier League points total this term, with Everton having secured fifth spot in the table barring a miraculous goal difference turnaround with sixth-placed Tottenham.
The Merseyside outfit's hopes of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League were dashed by back-to-back defeats to Southampton and Manchester City in their last two outings, but Distin says he and his team-mates are still determined to end the campaign on a high.
"It's not about where we're going to finish now, it's about setting records," the Frenchman told Everton's official website.
"That's what we've done with the points we've got in the Premier League and we can make that better by getting three more points.
"It's the same as if we were playing at the beginning of the season - it's another game we want to win.
"I can guarantee, if you'd been at the training ground this week, the focus is still there. We're not on holiday yet."
news_articleThu, 08 May 2014 14:09:16 +0000168580 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comEverton: Made in Yorkshire, defiant towards Manchester If Evertons defence stands firm against Manchester City, the whole city of Liverpool will benefit. Paul Wilkes analyses the budding partnership of Phil Jagielka and John Stones...Paul Wilkeshttp://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/everton-made-yorkshire-defiant-towards-manchester
Everton may be unlikely to close the four-point gap to fourth-placed Arsenal, but it has still been a remarkable campaign for the Merseyside club.
The team and supporters are now full of confidence that this success can be built upon and that they can make another challenge for the top four next year. Roberto Martinez has his side playing some exceptional football and his tactical variations have given the players a new sense of freedom.
Whilst Martinez's predecessor David Moyes did extraordinarily well on a limited budget and over a long period of time, his team had reached a plateau. During Moyes' 11-year tenure, Everton failed to win at Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal or Liverpool; Martinez ended that run at the first time of asking, at the Scotsman's expense when the Toffees won at Old Trafford in December.
How Martinez improved Everton
It's not just stylistically that Everton have improved: there's a new mental ethos that has assisted their results. The belief that they can take the initiative against any team within the league is a stark contrast from simply trying not to get beaten.
Martinez has taken Everton to their highest-ever points total since the Premier League started. "The fifth-placed team this season will be the unluckiest never to get into the Champions League – and it's going to get harder and harder," explains the Spanish manager.
The lack of resources mean that squad depth has been a worry for many years and this is highlighted further when you consider that three of their most important players this season are loan signings: Romelu Lukaku, Gerard Deulofeu and Gareth Barry.
"I don't want to qualify for the Champions League and not be good enough to compete in it," added Martinez. With his ability to improve players by coaching and teaching, Martinez can continue to make £5 million transfers look like £20 million ones.
His extensive knowledge of foreign markets, as displayed by his Wigan signings, will aid his quest for reinforcements at cheap prices, while the coach's faith in the academy system means that any gaps in the squad are filled by promising youngsters rather than panic purchases at the end of August.
Their impressive form this season at Goodison Park was in fact started last year and there is little between the two managers in that comparison. They have acquired the same amount of points at the ground, although Moyes' team conceded one more goal and Martinez still has to face Manchester City this weekend.
The real alterations are in how those results came about. Under Moyes they had 53.6% possession at home with a 79.5% pass success rate; with Martinez, it's 55.4% possession and 83.5% pass completion. It may seem marginal, but it can make a big difference as we have seen.
Everton have lost only twice on their own turf this season to Sunderland and Crystal Palace. Their defensive record as a whole has been good as the third best in the league and they have also kept clean sheets against Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham at home.
Their issues with own goals last weekend at Southampton were both unfortunate and down to their unfamiliarity. Antolin Alcaraz was making just his fourth league start of the season and it was only the second time he was partnering 19-year-old John Stones.
Made in Yorkshire
With Sylvain Distin hamstrung, the defensive stability is further threatened by holding midfielder Gareth Barry's ineligibility against his parent club – so the timing of their captain's return couldn't be better.
"Phil Jagielka has been recovering well and the plan was always for him to be in the squad for Manchester City, and we are hoping that is going to be the case," Martinez told reporters this week.
Stones and Jagielka have also only played as a centre-back partnership on one other occasion: shutting out Norwich, both were among the top three passers of the match. The two have been in the line-up together with Stones at right-back, whilst Jagielka's organisational skills were also badly missed when the Paraguayan partnered the teenager.
The Jagielka-Stones pairing is much more than a stopgap: with Distin now 36, this is likely to be the chosen combination for the future. And although Martinez won't be hurrying the Frenchman out of the door, he will welcome the continued development of the Yorkshire-tinged partnership.
Barnsley-born Stones and Sheffield-schooled Jagielka are more comfortable on the ball than Everton's other two centre-back options, which means that the team play with greater control when looking to build attacks from the back. Stones has the highest pass completion rate out of the entire squad, whilst no one completes more clearances than Jagielka, whose excellent positioning foxes forwards.
This is Manchester City's last away trip of the season and for many, considering the subsequent home games against Aston Villa and West Ham, their final real test. City have lost on their last four visits, and it could play heavily on the minds of the squad.
If Everton hold or even beat City, they could help Liverpool in claiming the title. While some supporters won't want that to happen, it will matter little to those in a blue shirt. The players and manager will want to finish the season in a positive fashion knowing that it can be carried into the new term. With Martinez in charge, the next few years will be bright for Everton, even if they take a huge step towards helping their local rivals this weekend.
featureFri, 02 May 2014 12:58:54 +0000Gary Parkinson164378 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comMartinez hopeful on Jagielka, Distin returnsEverton manager Roberto Martinez could welcome back defensive pair Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin for Saturdays visit of Manchester City.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/martinez-hopeful-jagielka-distin-returns
Jagielka has been out of action since February's defeat to Chelsea with a hamstring complaint while Frenchman Distin limped out of the win over Manchester United earlier this month with a similar injury.
As a result, Everton were forced to field a makeshift central defensive pairing of Antolin Alcaraz and John Stones in Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Southampton.
It leaves Martinez's men four points adrift of Arsenal in the race for the final UEFA Champions League spot but the Spaniard is optimistic that both could play a part this weekend.
"Phil has done really well in his programme and has developed strength in his muscles," he told the club's official website. "He looks completely regenerated and is desperate to be available.
"It will be a late call whether he is available or not but I would be surprised if he doesn't make the squad for Saturday.
"Sylvain Distin again is pushing himself to be available. We need to carry on with the programme that he has and make sure that the treatment is bringing a good effect.
"I would say he is 50-50 for the weekend but now we have hope that we will see Sylvain before the season ends which is a fantastic bonus."
Everton have lost just twice against City in 16 Premier League meetings at Goodison Park.
news_articleTue, 29 Apr 2014 09:52:27 +0000162156 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comDistin would happily help Liverpool win the titleEverton defender Sylvain Distin would happily help Liverpool win the title if it means he can play in the UEFA Champions League.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/distin-would-happily-help-liverpool-win-title
While Distin concedes many Everton fans would not agree with him, the French central defender is more concerned by his teams future than what might happen across Merseyside this season.
Liverpool sit two points clear at the top of the Premier League with five games to play, while Everton are one point off Arsenal in fourth, which comes with a berth in the qualifying rounds of next seasons Champions League.
If Everton knew a win on the final day of the season would see them qualify for the Champions League but also clinch the league title for Liverpool, Distin confirmed he would fight for victory.
Weve spoken about it with some of the staff and said, what if we have to beat (Manchester) City to be in the Champions League but by doing that Liverpool win the league? Distin said.
The funny thing is, some people would rather we dont get Champions League as long as they dont win the league. Its mad.
Personally Id rather be in the Champions League. You cant miss a chance for that. It would be amazing for the city if both clubs made it. I think deep down both sets of fans would like it if both clubs were in it.
In the penultimate round, Everton will play Manchester City, who lie third but have two games in hand on both Liverpool and second-placed Chelsea.
It will be a crucial match in terms of the title but also Evertons chances of finishing in the top four.
Everton have never played in the Champions League, having been knocked out in the qualifying stages in the 2005-06 season, while they did reach the quarter-finals of the European Cup back in 1970-71.
news_articleTue, 08 Apr 2014 03:47:28 +0000150663 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comDistin wary of Europa League participationEverton defender Sylvain Distin admits he has reservations about the prospect of the club featuring in the UEFA Europa League next season.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/distin-wary-europa-league-participation
Roberto Martinez's men returned to the Premier League's top six by beating Cardiff City on Saturday, and with League Cup winners Manchester City almost certain to finish in at least the UEFA Champions League places, a sixth-placed finish would be enough for a Europa League spot.
Distin, however, is in two minds about potential qualification for Europe's secondary competition, as he believes Everton would have to strengthen their squad to cope with a demanding schedule and is wary about the affect it may have on their domestic campaign.
Speaking toThe Liverpool Echo: "It's mixed feelings because you can't say no to playing in Europe. As a player it's impossible to not want that.
"But it's completely different from the Champions League in terms of finances for the club. It's a lot of travel and you need a big squad.
"Yes, it would be amazing for the club and for the fans to be travelling back in Europe again but for the team, if we're not going to have a much bigger squad next season, it could be tough.
"If you look at the big picture, as I say it's important you've got to ensure that being in the Europa League doesn't make you suffer back in the league.
"When you play every Thursday and come back on the Friday before playing again on the Sunday it is hard."
news_articleMon, 17 Mar 2014 13:17:18 +0000139180 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comDistin agrees new one-year deal at EvertonDefender Sylvain Distin has agreed a one-year contract extension at Everton, the Premier League club revealed on Wednesday.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/distin-signs-new-deal-everton
news_articleWed, 29 Jan 2014 18:05:58 +0000116237 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comDistin resumes full training in TenerifeRoberto Martinez has been boosted by the return to fitness of Sylvain Distin as Everton undertake warm-weather training in Tenerife.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/distin-resumes-full-training-tenerife
The French defender has not featured for the club since the turn of the year, having been sidelined by a hamstring problem.
But Martinez revealed on Thursday that Distin had been able to train normally with no recurrence of his injury.
"Sylvain has come through four sessions now and has had no reaction," he told the club's official website. "That, straight away, has been one of the benefits.
"He has been able to work with the group with no effects to him."
The Spaniard was also delighted that his squad was reaping the benefits of attending the mid-season training camp.
"It has been terrific so far," Martinez added. "It has been a unique opportunity to spend a lot of time together and to work on the training pitch.
"The players have benefited because of the humidity and the weather. We have been working hard and getting the benefits from it.
"The boys who are carrying a little bit of an injury or a problem have been able to work extra time and it’s been very beneficial for the whole team."
Everton travel to The Hawthorns to face West Brom in the Premier League on Monday.
news_articleThu, 16 Jan 2014 11:46:34 +0000111829 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comMixed injury news for Everton boss MartinezLeighton Baines could return for Everton against Norwich City this weekend, but Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin could face a fortnight out.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/mixed-injury-news-martinez-ahead-norwich-clash
Left-back Baines sat out last Saturday's 4-0 FA Cup demolition of QPR after suffering back spasms, while his defensive team-mates Jagielka and Distin missed the last two games with hamstring injuries.
And while manager Roberto Martinez expects Baines to give him a welcome selection dilemma ahead of thePremier Leagueclash with Norwich on Saturday by proving his fitness, the Spaniard is planning on being without Jagielka and Distin for another two weeks.
"Leighton Baines is recovering as we expected, so I don't think he's going to be too far from being able to train," Martinez told the club's official website.
"I would say Leighton will be back in training on Thursday.
"We'll then have to assess him. Remember back spasms can be cleared completely or they can leave you a little bit with a lack of mobility.
"Any player needs to be 100 per cent to be able to play and to be considered to play, so we'll assess Leighton on Thursday, see how he is and take it from there.
"Sylvain and Phil Jagielka both have got probably a period of between seven and 10 days, but I would say two weeks is the most realistic time.
"But they are players who recover really, really well from these sorts of soft tissue injuries. They are not major problems."
news_articleTue, 07 Jan 2014 19:16:57 +0000101853 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comThe FourFourTwo Preview: Man United vs EvertonPremier League | Old Trafford | Wed 4 Dec | 7:45pmHuw Davieshttp://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/fourfourtwo-preview-man-united-vs-everton
Billed as
“You are cordially invited to Moysie and Marouane’s new digs. Bring your own wine.”
The lowdown
There are unbeaten runs and there are unbeaten runs. Manchester United’s now stretches to 12 matches, their last defeat coming at home to West Bromwich Albion in September, but that includes five draws, some against very beatable teams in Real Sociedad and Cardiff.
Sunday’s draw against Spurs represented a good point in that the visitors twice came from behind, but it seemed like a game Sir Alex Ferguson would perhaps have attacked with more gusto, certainly in the closing stages. David Moyes seemed happier with a single point than Andre Villas-Boas.
The 1-0 win over Arsenal was supposed to mark the beginning of Moyes’ Manchester United, but it’s been followed in the league by two 2-2 draws, two too many for a team targeting the tootle – sorry, title.
Everton can relate: last weekend’s 4-0 marmalising of Stoke followed three consecutive draws. Against the Potters, though, they displayed a ruthlessness not always associated with either Everton or Roberto Martinez, something they’ll need to bring to this game.
Romelu Lukaku can’t stop scoring (making him the polar opposite of Nikica Jelavic) and 19-year-old Gerard Deulofeu showed on his first Premier League start why he won Player of the Year for the Spanish second division last season.
These are exciting times for the Toffees. However, if they’re going to turn Martinez’s belief that they can reach the Champions League into a reality, they can’t fear the champions. Instead, they must show Moyes that they can succeed without him.
Team news
For the visitors, Bryan Oviedo will continue to deputise for Leighton Baines at left-back, while Arouna Kone and Darron-ron-ron Gibson are long-term absentees (or absent-KNEES, right? Yes? Never mind).
Manchester United should welcome back Robin van Persie from a groin injury, though it’s touch-and-go, and are without central midfielders Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher.
It’ll be interesting to see if Marouane Fellaini starts. Nobody knows the Belgian’s strengths better than his former Everton team-mates – and the same goes for his weaknesses, especially in his mentality. Discretion may be the better part of valour for Moyes in his team selection.
Key battle: Wayne Rooney vs Phil Jagielka
Actually, this could easily be Rooney vs Sylvain Distin too. Both the latter and Jagielka have been integral to the Toffees' excellent backline that has conceded fewer goals than 15 other sides this season - including five fewer than United.
They both feature in the Premier League's top five clearance makers - Jagielka third (126) and Distin fifth (120) respectively - but on Wednesday night they're up against the in-form Rooney.
In Van Persie's absence it was the former Toffee who stood up to be counted at Tottenham on Sunday with both United goals in the 2-2 draw at White Hart Lane. But it's not just his net-ripplers (eight of them) causing problems - with five assists he's the Premier League's joint-second highest goal maker.
All in all he's doing rather well this campaign. You could even say it's the kind of form Garth Crooks would raise a glass of champagne to.
The managers
Moyes appears to be settling into the Manchester United manager’s chair, even forming his own bum groove after 27 years of work from the previous occupant. Beating his old team wouldn’t bring him any great joy, you’d expect, but he knows a win is vital to his ambitions of winning the tootle (title, damn it).
Martinez is getting the best out of players, being patient with Deulofeu, trusting Ross Barkley, as Everton play nice football with an end product, all in a rather smashing kit.
There is a suspicion of short-termism, however. Lukaku and Deulofeu, the star turns in their last two games, are both on loan, as is Gareth Barry. But of course, if Everton qualify for the Champions League they can buy who they like next season.
Facts and figures
Everton have won none of their last 20 Premier League games at Old Trafford (W0 D4 L16).
More facts at FFT's Man United vs Everton Stats Zone page
Tips and trends
This will be the first time David Moyes takes on his former team, with Everton currently above United in the table.
Manchester United have led at half time in seven of their last 10 home games against top-half teams.
United’s record without Robin van Persie is W2 D2 L3 since the start of last season and they’ve failed to win any of the four games he’s missed this term.
Everton have won just one of their last 10 road games at top-six sides, conceding first in three of their last four trips.
Everton have lost fewer games than any other team this season (1) but no side has drawn more matches (6).
Find the best odds with Bet Butler
FourFourTwo prediction
A lively score draw, with Lukaku and Rooney on the scoresheet.
Man United vs Everton LIVE ANALYSIS with Stats Zone
featureTue, 03 Dec 2013 16:03:00 +0000Joe Brewin90084 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comDistin: Expect more Everton improvementEverton defender Sylvain Distin expects his side to improve even more as they get used to the style of new manager Roberto Martinez.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/distin-expect-more-improvement
The Goodison Park outfit have lost only one of their 10 Premier League matches this season and sit seventh in the table, just a point adrift of second-placed Chelsea.
They were held to a goalless home draw against Tottenham on Sunday, but Distin feels they have lots more improvement left in them.
Ahead of a tricky month that will see them play Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal, Distin told Everton's official website that he expects Martinez, who took over from David Moyes in the close-season, to help them have a strong season.
"All the players are different but it is nice to see - he (Martinez) is always very positive and honest as well," the Frenchman said.
"To be honest, it was the same with the previous manager. That is the mentality of the club, it has always been very positive.
"The fans have always been very demanding, the players as well. That is just how it is here.
"And even if we get results, we are still adapting to the new style of the manager, the new philosophy of playing. We have had good results but nobody feels, 'That's it, we understand everything'. We don't. We are still adapting.
"It takes a bit of time. It is very early, even if we had gone second it wouldn't change anything. It is a very long season but we are still up there. We are enjoying it."
Distin has played every minute of Everton's Premier League campaign this season.
news_articleTue, 05 Nov 2013 13:48:18 +000080958 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comDistin hails monster team-mate LukakuEverton defender Sylvain Distin has labelled Romelu Lukaku a monster after an impressive start to life at Goodison Park.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/distin-hails-monster-lukaku
The 20-year-old, who is on loan from Chelsea, has scored seven goals in just six appearances since his deadline-day arrival on Merseyside.
And with Everton’s 2-0 victory over Aston Villa on Saturday taking them to sixth in the Premier League table, Distin is thrilled that his team have acquired a player with such natural talent.
"Considering Romelu's age he has got all the qualities," he told The Liverpool Echo.
"He's a monster. He's learning game after game and has the right mentality.
"I was talking about his size and his weight with him a week ago. We're more or less the same weight and to get there I had to work hard in the gym for four years.
"For him it's just how he is when he wakes up. I wasn't like that when I was 20. He's physically blessed and his positioning on the pitch and finishing are improving all the time.
"His attitude is great and that's the most important thing for a young player, and all our youngsters have that."
Lukaku has never scored for Chelsea since signing from Anderlecht in 2011, but netted 17 times in 35 league games when on loan at West Brom last term.
news_articleMon, 28 Oct 2013 15:29:45 +000078142 at http://www.fourfourtwo.com